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School Psychologist Wins State and National Awards

Chris Niileksela, a school psychologist and
Measurement and Evaluation Specialist for Topeka Public Schools, has received
numerous awards in the last year. Last May, Chris received the Outstanding
Dissertation Award from the KU School of Education. His dissertation examined
the relationships between cognitive abilities and academic skills for children
with learning disabilities. This research led to a better understanding of the
cognitive processes that children with learning disabilities use to read,
write, and do mathematical calculations.

Recognition for his exceptional work went beyond the state of Kansas to
the national level. He was the recipient of the Outstanding Dissertation Award
from the Woodcock-Munoz Foundation at the National Association of School
Psychologist’s annual convention.

Chris has worked for TPS for the past three years. He is moving on to work at the
University of Kansas as an instructor in the School of Education.